Seed Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A seed dispenser includes a seed container having first and second openings and an interior area for storing seeds. A door member coupled to the seed container is in communication with the first opening. A dispensing member coupled to the seed container is in communication with the second opening. Both the door member and the dispensing member are independently movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in their respective open configurations, the door member allows seeds to flow into the seed container through the first opening and the dispensing member allows seeds to flow out of the seed container through the second opening. First and second latch members are independently movable between locked configurations and unlocked configurations. In their locked configurations, the first and second latch members couple the door member and the dispensing member, respectively, to the seed container in their respective closed configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to dispensing devices and, more particularly, to a seed dispenser specifically configured to dispense sunflower seeds or the like, such as by an athlete or spectator at a ball game.

Sunflower seeds are a popular snack consumed most often at baseball games, whether at professional baseball team ballparks or at youth sports fields. Sunflower seeds typically come in bags although novelty containers having the appearance of a baseball bat are also seen. Unfortunately, large bags of seeds are difficult to manage while sitting in the stands at a game, easy to spill, and not feasible for use by an actual player while involved in a game. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a dispenser that is easy to fill with a substantial quantity of seeds yet small enough for single handed use by either a player or spectator.

Various seed containers have been proposed in the prior art. Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the current devices do not include a relatively large door through which to initially pour seeds into the container and a dispensing spout through which to dispense a small number of seeds into a user's hand. Further, the existing devices or proposals do not include ergonomically positioned latch members designed to enable a person to open either the door or dispensing spout with a single hand.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a seed dispenser that includes a door member in communication with a large first opening and a dispensing member in communication with a smaller second opening. Further, it would be desirable to have a seed dispenser that includes first and second latch members movable between locked and unlocked configurations so as to couple the door member and the dispensing member, respectively, to the seed container in their respective closed configurations while allowing easy access to the interior in their open configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A seed dispenser according to the present invention includes a seed container having first and second openings, a door member coupled to the seed container and in communication with the first opening, and a dispensing member coupled to the seed container and in communication with the second opening. Both the door member and the dispensing member are independently movable between an open configuration providing access to the seed container interior area and a closed configuration preventing access to the interior area. The seed container defines an interior area for storing seeds, the first opening is configured to allow a relatively large amount of seeds to flow into the seed container when the door member is in the open configuration, and the second opening is configured to allow a relatively small amount of seeds to flow out of the seed container into a person's hand when the dispensing member is in the open configuration.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a seed dispenser that is quick and easy to fill when the door member is in the open configuration.

Another object of this invention is to provide a seed dispenser, as aforesaid, that quickly and easily dispenses an appropriate amount of seeds into a person's hand when the dispensing member is in the open configuration.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a seed dispenser, as aforesaid, that retains seeds within a seed container when the door member and the dispensing member are each in their respective closed configurations.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a seed dispenser, as aforesaid, that includes first and second latch members independently movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration so as to couple the door member and the dispensing member, respectively, to the seed container in their respective closed configurations.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a seed container, as aforesaid, that is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seed dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a seed container, a door member in a closed configuration, and a dispensing member in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing the dispensing member in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing the door member in an open configuration and a latch member in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing a first latch member in a locked configuration;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing the first latch member in the locked configuration;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, showing the first latch member in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 7 a is a top view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing a second latch member in a locked configuration;

FIG. 7 b is a top view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing a second latch member in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 7 c is a sectional view taken along line 7 c-7 c of FIG. 7 a showing a second spring coupled to the seed container and the second latch member;

FIG. 7 d is a sectional view taken along line 7 d-7 d of FIG. 7 b showing a second spring coupled to the seed container and the second latch member;

FIG. 8 a is a partial cut-away side view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 b is a partial cut-away view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 7 b;

FIG. 8 c is an isolated view on an enlarged scale, taken from FIG. 8 a, showing the second latch member coupled to the dispensing member with the dispensing member in the closed configuration;

FIG. 8 d is an isolated view on an enlarged scale, taken from FIG. 8 b, showing the second latch member decoupled from the dispensing member;

FIG. 9 a is an isolated view on an enlarged scale, taken from FIG. 8 a, showing a first spring with the dispensing member in the closed configuration;

FIG. 9 b is an isolated view on an enlarged scale, as in FIG. 9 a, showing a first spring with the dispensing member in the open configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 1, showing a cover member decoupled from the door member; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the seed dispenser, as in FIG. 2, showing a clip member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A seed dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings. The seed dispenser 10 includes a seed container 20, a door member 100, and a dispensing member 200. The seed container 20 may also include a clip member 50 coupled to the seed container 20 and a cover member 150 selectively coupled to the door member 100.

The seed container 20 may include a rear panel 22. Opposed top 24 and bottom 26 exterior walls may extend perpendicularly from the rear panel 22 and opposed side exterior walls 25 may extend between respective top 24 and bottom 26 exterior walls such that the exterior walls and the rear panel 22 together define an interior area 30. Accordingly, the seed container 20 may present a generally square or rectangular configuration although other configurations may also be suitable.

In one embodiment, the top 24, bottom 26, and side 25 exterior walls together define a first opening 32. In another embodiment, the seed container 20 may include a front panel (not shown) opposed to the rear panel 22 and extending between respective side exterior walls 25 and respective front 24 and rear 26 exterior walls. The front panel (not shown) may define the first opening 32. In use, seeds may be poured through the first opening 32 and stored in the interior area 30.

A door member 100 may be pivotally coupled to the seed container 20, such as with a hinge, and movable between an open configuration (FIG. 3) and a closed configuration (FIG. 1). The door member 100 may be in communication with the first opening 32 of the seed container 20. While in the open configuration, the door member 100 accommodates pouring seeds through the first opening 32 of the seed container 20. While in the closed configuration, the door member 100 prevents seeds stored in the interior area 30 of the seed container 20 from exiting the interior area 30 through the first opening 32 of the seed container 20.

The top exterior wall 24 of the seed container 20 may define a second opening 34 through which seeds stored in the interior area 30 of the seed container 20 may exit when the door member 100 is in the closed configuration. The second opening 34 may be smaller than the first opening 32. A dispensing member 200 may be coupled to the seed container 20 and movable between an open configuration allowing seeds to exit the interior area 30 (FIG. 2) and a closed configuration preventing seeds from exiting the interior area 30 (FIG. 1). The dispensing member 200 may be in operative communication with the second opening 34 of the seed container 20. While in the open configuration, the dispensing member 200 accommodates pouring seeds from the interior area 30 through the second opening 34 of the seed container 20 into a person's hand. While in the closed configuration, the dispensing member 200 prevents seeds stored in the interior area 30 of the seed container 20 from exiting the interior area 30 through the second opening 34 of the seed container 20.

The door member 100 may be pivotally coupled to the seed container 20, such as with a hinge or similar hardware. A first latch member 102 may be coupled to the seed container 20 and movable between an unlocked configuration (FIG. 6) and a locked configuration (FIG. 5). The door member 100 is allowed to move between the closed configuration and the open configuration when the first latch member 102 is in the unlocked configuration. Conversely, the first latch member 102 couples the door member 100 to the seed container 20 in the closed configuration when the first latch member 102 is in the locked configuration.

The dispensing member 200 may be pivotally coupled to the seed container 20 such as with a hinge or the like. A second latch member 202 may be coupled to the seed container 20 and movable between an unlocked configuration (FIG. 8 d) and a locked configuration (FIG. 8 c). The dispensing member 200 is allowed to move between the closed configuration and the open configuration when the second latch member 202 is in the unlocked configuration. The second latch member 202 couples the dispensing member 200 to the seed container 20 in the closed configuration when the second latch member 202 is in the locked configuration.

The dispensing member 200 may include a primary wall 220 having opposed proximal 222 and distal 224 ends and opposed sides 226 extending between opposed proximal 222 and distal 224 ends. In one embodiment, the dispensing member 200 may have the configuration of a pour spout. When the dispensing member 200 is in the open configuration, the dispensing member 200 is coupled to the seed container 20 at or near the proximal end 222 of the primary wall 220 (FIG. 2). When the dispensing member 200 is in the closed configuration and the second latch member 202 is in the locked configuration, the second latch member 202 is coupled to the dispensing member 200 at or near the distal end 224 of the primary wall 220 (FIG. 1).

The dispensing member 200 may also include a pair of opposed side walls 228 extending generally perpendicularly from respective sides 226 of the primary wall 220 so as to define an interior channel 230 for selectively directing seeds from the seed container 20 into a person's hand such as, for example, when a user tips the seed container to its side or beyond in a pouring motion. The side walls 228 may have generally annular free edges that retract neatly into the interior area at the closed configuration and extend therefrom at the open configuration. The dispensing member 200 may further include a tab member 232 coupled to the distal end 224 of the primary wall 220 of the dispensing member 200 that is configured to enable a person's finger to urge the dispensing member 200 from the closed configuration (FIG. 1) to the open configuration (FIG. 2). Conversely, a person may urge the dispensing member 200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration by applying pressure to the tab member 232 or to the primary wall 220, as may be convenient or desired.

A first spring 210 may be operatively coupled to the seed container 20 and the dispensing member 200. Preferably, the first spring 210 is configured to bias the dispensing member 200 towards the open configuration such that when the second latch member 202 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the dispensing member 200 automatically and rapidly moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Accordingly, the dispensing member 200 may be opened upon movement of the second latch member 202 using only a single hand—or a single finger for that matter.

A second spring 212 may be operatively coupled to the seed container 20 and the second latch member 202. The second spring 212 may bias the second latch member 202 towards the locked configuration such that when the second latch member 202 is released, the second latch member 202 automatically moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

A clip member 50 may be coupled to the seed container 20 and configured to receive a belt, a waistband, or any similar article of clothing so as to enable a person to be mobile while maintaining close proximity to the seed dispenser 10 without requiring the person to hold the seed dispenser 10. Alternatively, the clip member 50 may be configured to selectively couple to a receiving member (not shown). The receiving member (not shown) may be coupled to a wall, a fence, a chair, or any other stationary object so as to allow a person to be mobile while maintaining a stationary location for the seed dispenser 10. Alternatively, the clip member 50 may be configured to receive part of a wall, a fence, a chair, or any other stationary object, without the use of an independent receiving member (not shown).

A cover member 150 may be selectively coupled to the door member 100, such as in a friction or snap-fit arrangement. The cover member 150 may include indicia. The indicia may identify the type of seeds contained within the seed dispenser 10, may identify the owner of the seed dispenser 10, or may be utilized to advertise a company, a sports team, or anything that may obtain a benefit from being advertised on a seed dispenser 10. Alternatively, the indicia may be decorative and/or may be used to help a person more easily identify the type of seeds contained within the seed dispenser 10 and/or may be used to help a person more easily identify the owner of the seed dispenser 10.

In use, the first latch member 102 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration so that the door member 100 may be moved from the closed (FIG. 1) configuration to the open configuration (FIG. 3). The interior area 30 of the seed container 20 may be filled with seeds through the first opening 32 of the seed container 20 while the door member 100 is in the open configuration. The door member 100 may then be moved back to the closed configuration and the first latch member 102 may be moved back to the locked configuration, thereby coupling the door member 100 to the seed container 20 in the closed configuration so as to prevent seeds from exiting the seed container through the first opening 32.

Further, the second latch member 202 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration so that the first spring 210 can automatically move the dispensing member 200 from the closed configuration (FIG. 1) to the open configuration (FIG. 2). While the dispensing member 200 is in the open configuration, seeds located in the seed container 20 may be poured into someone's hand by rotating the seed container 20 until seeds flow through the second opening 34 of the seed container 20. To stop dispensing seeds, the seed container 20 may be rotated until seeds stop flowing through the second opening 34 of the seed container 20.

The dispensing member 200 may be moved back to the closed configuration as described above so long as the second latch member 202 is held in the unlocked configuration. Next, while the dispensing member 200 is held in the closed configuration, the second latch member 202 may be released so that the second spring 212 automatically moves the second latch member 202 back to the locked configuration, thereby coupling the dispensing member 200 to the seed container 20 in the closed configuration so as to prevent seeds from exiting the seed container 20 through the second opening 34.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof. 

1. A seed dispenser, comprising: a seed container that defines an interior storage area and defines first and second openings in communication with said interior area; a door member coupled to said seed container and in communication with said first opening, said door member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior area and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area; and a dispensing member coupled to said seed container and in communication with said second opening, said dispensing member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior space and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area.
 2. The seed dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a clip member coupled to said seed container.
 3. The seed dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said door member is pivotally coupled to said seed container; and said dispensing member is pivotally coupled to said seed container.
 4. The seed dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a first latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration at which said door member is allowed to move selectively between the closed configuration and the open configuration, and a locked configuration at which said first latch member couples said door member to said seed container in the closed configuration.
 5. The seed dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a second latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration at which said dispensing member is allowed to move between the closed configuration and the open configuration, and a locked configuration at which said second latch member couples said dispensing member to said seed container in the closed configuration.
 6. The seed dispenser of claim 5, further comprising a first spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said dispensing member, said first spring being configured to bias said dispensing member towards the open configuration.
 7. The seed dispenser of claim 6, further comprising a second spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said second latch member, said second spring being configured to bias said second latch member towards the locked configuration.
 8. The seed dispenser of claim 7, further comprising a clip member coupled to said seed container.
 9. The seed dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a cover member removably coupled to said door member.
 10. The seed dispenser of claim 9, wherein said cover member includes indicia for distinguishing one seed dispenser from another seed dispenser.
 11. A seed dispenser, comprising: a seed container having opposed top and bottom walls, opposed side walls extending between said top and said bottom wall, and a rear panel extending between said top, said bottom, and side walls such that said seed container defines an interior storage area and a first opening opposite said rear panel that extends between said top and said bottom wall and is in communication with said interior area; wherein said top wall defines a second opening in communication with said interior area; a door member coupled to said seed container and in communication with said first opening, said door member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior area and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area; and a dispensing member coupled to said top wall of said seed container and in communication with said second opening, said dispensing member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior space and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area; and a clip member coupled to said seed container.
 12. The seed dispenser of claim 11, wherein said dispensing member includes: a primary wall having proximal and distal ends and opposed sides; and a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from said primary wall at respective sides of said primary wall and extending from said proximal end to said distal end of said primary wall so as to define an interior channel that is configured to direct seeds from said interior area of said seed container into a person's hand.
 13. The seed dispenser of claim 12, wherein said dispensing member further includes a tab member coupled to said distal end of said primary wall of said dispensing member and configured so as to enable a person's finger to move said dispensing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
 14. The seed dispenser of claim 13, further comprising a first latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration at which said door member is allowed to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and a locked configuration at which said first latch member retains said door member in the closed configuration.
 15. The seed dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a second latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration at which said dispensing member is allowed to move selectively between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and a locked configuration at which said second latch member retains said dispensing member in the closed configuration.
 16. The seed dispenser of claim 15, further comprising a first spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said dispensing member, said first spring configured to bias said dispensing member towards the open configuration.
 17. The seed dispenser of claim 16, further comprising a second spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said second latch member, said second spring configured to bias said second latch member towards the locked configuration.
 18. A seed dispenser, comprising: a seed container that defines an interior storage area and defines first and second openings in communication with said interior area; a door member coupled to said seed container and in communication with said first opening, said door member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior area and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area; and a dispensing member coupled to said seed container and in communication with said second opening, said dispensing member being movable between an open configuration allowing access to said interior space and a closed configuration preventing access to said interior area; a clip member coupled to said seed container; and a cover member selectively coupled to said door member, said cover member having indicia for distinguishing one seed dispenser from another seed dispenser.
 19. The seed dispenser of claim 18, further comprising: a first latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration, wherein said door member is allowed to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and a locked configuration, wherein said first latch member retains said door member in the closed configuration; a second latch member coupled to said seed container and movable between an unlocked configuration, wherein said dispensing member is allowed to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and a locked configuration, wherein said second latch member retains said dispensing member in the closed configuration; a first spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said dispensing member, said first spring configured to bias said dispensing member towards the open configuration; and a second spring operatively coupled to said seed container and said second latch member, said second spring being configured to bias said second latch member towards the locked configuration.
 20. The seed dispenser of claim 19, wherein said dispensing member includes: a primary wall having proximal and distal ends and opposed sides extending from said proximal and distal ends; a pair of opposed side walls extending from respective sides of said primary wall so as to define an interior channel configured to selectively direct seeds from said seed container into a person's hand; and a tab member coupled to said distal end of said primary wall of said dispensing member, said tab member configured to enable a person's finger to move said dispensing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration. 